Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, is expected to formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on November 19, multiple sources within the ruling party have confirmed.
A senior APC official told DAILY GAZETTE that the party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, will lead top executives to Jalingo to officially welcome the governor into the APC at a planned rally.
According to the source, “All arrangements have been finalised. Governor Kefas’ defection was extensively discussed at the APC leadership meeting held on Wednesday at the national secretariat in Abuja. Everything is set for his formal reception.”
The move follows weeks of speculation and behind-the-scenes negotiations reportedly spearheaded by Yilwatda, who is said to have played a key role in convincing Kefas to switch parties.
Earlier this week, the governor appeared to confirm the rumours during an interaction with APC and PDP stakeholders at the Banquet Hall of TY Danjuma House in Jalingo.
He said, “Yes, a rumour is circulating and I’ve heard it too. Sometimes, when a rumour refuses to die, it may mean something good is coming. I’m working on it to see that it becomes reality. By the grace of God, in a few days after next week, you will hear from me.”
Kefas urged unity among political actors in the state, saying, “Whether you belong to the APC, PDP, or any other party, let us think of how to move Taraba forward.”
In anticipation of his defection, APC stakeholders in Taraba have already pledged their support.
A weekend meeting at the Jalingo residence of Danladi Baido drew together party elders, youth leaders, and local government representatives from across the state’s 16 councils.
The gathering, described as a “show of solidarity,” reaffirmed loyalty to the governor and expressed optimism that his entry into the ruling party would attract greater federal attention, improve infrastructure, and boost economic opportunities in the state.
Meanwhile, APC insiders have revealed that the ruling party is also in advanced discussions with Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, over a potential defection.
“The defection of Governor Fintiri is already a done deal. After Taraba, Adamawa is next,” one source told DAILY GAZETTE.
Currently, the APC controls Borno, Gombe, and Yobe States, while the PDP maintains leadership in Bauchi, Taraba and Adamawa.
